How to Recycle Coffee Grounds

Coffee drinkers who brew their own java know that a week's worth of grounds adds up to a sizable quantity. Since coffee is organic matter, there is no need for it to go into the garbage to the landfill. Instead, try one of these methods to recycle coffee grounds.

Instructions

1. Keep a small container of used coffee grounds by your sink. Use them with soap to scrub greasy hands and pots alike. The coffee acts as a scrub and rinses off easily.

2. Compost coffee grounds. Add them to your existing compost pile or start a new one. Read more about composting in the book "The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener."

3. Use them to fertilize roses. Sprinkle coffee grounds on the soil around the stem of the rose bush (but not touching the plant).

4. Add to worm beds. If you raise earthworms for garden use or fishing bait, feed them cool, used coffee grounds.

5. Make wood stain for crafts. Re-brew a sizable amount of used coffee grounds and allow the water to steep with grounds for several hours, until cool. Pour through coffee filter to remove grounds.

6. Deodorize hands after chopping onion or garlic by rubbing with a handful of coffee grounds.

7. Deodorize your fridge. Place wet coffee grounds in a small open container in the back of the refrigerator until dried out.

8. Dry coffee grounds on a baking sheet in the oven at 150 degrees for an hour. Use with an equal amount of fresh grounds for your next few pots of coffee.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use coffee grounds to unclog your sink, as they may actually clog it by adhering to any grease in the pipes.